i have the chance to get hold of some cheap ali at 0.5mm thick do we think this is to thin for the external panels or indeed both ext and int
i await your thoughts

cheers
chris

Iv gone for .8mm and that seems very thin so 5mm might be too thin. Im sure someone with more knowledge wibe on soon

I'd go for 0.8 for the sides as I tried 0.5 which forms round curves very easily but will dent with any stones thrown up from the wheels. 0.5 will be good for the back panel though. 3mm for the floor, 3mm for anything you want to stand on really.

I used 1.2mm for the sides and 2mm for the floor. If you have plenty of triangulation then the extra bonding surfaces will make thin panels much stronger.

[Edited on 28-5-08 by RazMan]

well the floor has been done in steel, (is a st taylor chassis) the ali i have is something like 2mm thick and terrible to bend, so do we think 0.8mm or there abouts will be fine, 0.5mm too thin?

I've used 1.5mm, half hard. This is strong, and will not dent.. But If I was to do it again I might go for 1.2-1.0mm or so.. If you want it light the thiner the better, but it will dent/ding as as said above..

Dan

Hi

I would use either 1mm or 1.2mm aluminium, 0.5mm is too thin to secure anything to, (fuel cap, lights etc.), and will age harden in no time and crack due to vibration when driving.

Personally I'm going for 0.8mm mirror stainless, the back panel will be a challenge

Regards Mick

you using mirror finish or BA stainless?

I'm planning on mirror finish.

Mick